PATNA, Sept. 26 -- In a clear departure from the defensive posture adopted by most BJP-led NDA constituents, Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) chief and Union minister Chirag Paswan on Friday called on Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar to firmly and publicly clarify the Election Commission's position amid questions over the electoral process.

Speaking to reporters in Patna and Delhi , the LJP(RV) leader stressed that the poll panel was an independent constitutional body and the responsibility to allay public doubts rested primarily with the CEC. "If questions are being raised on the Election Commission's conduct. the responsibility lies with the CEC to present his stance clearly. It is problematic if people begin to doubt the...